Jan 20 (Reuters) - Villarreal remained in the relegation zone after drawing 1-1 at home to fellow strugglers Athletic Bilbao on Sunday but were fortunate to escape with a point after the Basque side were denied what looked to be a legitimate goal late in the game.

An own goal from Jaume Costa put Athletic ahead in the 18th minute in a meeting between two heavyweights of Spanish football who have fallen on hard times this campaign and changed managers in a bid...

Santi Cazorla's performance vs. Real Madrid on Thursday wowed the crowds and showed that even after all he's been through, he's still a phenomenal player.

"It's a secret," Santi Cazorla said, and then he started laughing. "But what I can tell you is that I was almost more nervous than for my debut. I was thinking, 'If I mess this up, I'm going to be left in there ...'" And with that, he fell about, giggling all over again.

Real Madrid endured a frustrating start to the new year as they drew 2-2 at struggling Villarreal on Thursday and were left seven points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Midfielder Santi Cazorla gave the home side the lead in the fourth minute of the game, which was rescheduled due to Real's participation in last month's Club World Cup, by bending a wonderful shot into the bottom corner.

But the European champions struck back three minutes later with a headed goal from Karim Benzema after a sweeping...

Champions Barcelona overcame a dogged Villarreal side to win 2-0 at home on Sunday, with goals from stalwart defender Gerard Pique and youngster Carles Alena, to provisionally return to the top of La Liga.

The victory extended Barcelona's unbeaten streak against Villarreal in all competitions to 21 games (16-0-5), with their last loss against the Yellow Submarine coming in March 2008

Pique headed the Catalans in front in the 36th minute, connecting with a cross from the lively Ousmane Dembele who...